Patterns of Disturbance, Reproductive Effort, and SuccessionAcross a Depth Gradient in a Southern California Kelp ForestCommunity

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Dayton and Tegner are leaders in the study of kelp system ecology; Dayton is likewise recognized for substantial contributions to ecological theory on the development and organization of natural communities. These investigators have been studying the dynamics of kelp populations in the extensive Pt. Loma kelp beds for a decade and a half. The last award and their long-term monitoring allowed some very interesting observations on the effect of El Nino - Southern Oscillation anomalies on the kelp forest dynamics. Second order effects, after the return to "normal" oceanographic/atmospheric conditions, have caused dramatic perturbation of the Pt. Loma beds. Ecological succession within the kelp community has proceeded in ways that were not predictable, a priori, from our earlier understanding of kelp systems. Dayton and Tegner feel that our predictive capabilities are now hampered by our lack of understanding of how physical disturbances and physiological conditions of kelps (as affected by environmental stresses and variation) influence reproductive condition, capacity and the recrutiment of new individuals. This work will examine inter- and intra-specific competition, and nutrient availability effects on reproduction and succession within kelp forests.